Action at stunt school - April 2020 NORTHLAND DISTRICT HEALTH BOARD STAFF MAGAZINE - Northland DHB
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April 2020
NORTHL A ND DIS TRICT HE A LT H B O A RD S TA F F MA G A Z I NE
Action at stunt school
Page 20
From the Chief Executive
History never repeats - yeah, people slow down their lives and appreciate what really
right! matters."
Yet again we are reminded that It's a nice story isn't it to believe in such a prescient piece
we aren't all-powerful and a tiny of writing, but actually, it seems that Lewis did not write this
virus can bring us to our knees. passage and it does not appear in 1942 in "The Screwtape
Our health system has only Letters" as originally claimed. The passage appears to
conventional weapons, and be a recent invention. Searches for the quote yielded no
we are fighting a nuclear war. results prior to March 2020, meaning that it was likely
The difference between this written during the current pandemic.
time and 102 years ago is It reminded me that we all need to be wary of what we read
modern medicine. However, it's not fancy drugs or high and hear at such a time, and look for the truth from credible
tech procedures and equipment; this time we will hopefully sources, acknowledging that we are all still learning and
have a vaccine in 18 months - this, and compliance with information and recommendations may change over time.
the lockdown is what will save thousands of New Zealand The best sources of information are still Covid19.govt.nz,
lives and eventually return us to the big wide world. the MoH website, or our own intranet and internet.
The lockdown and compliance with it are vital despite the I experienced the power of such fake news on social media.
huge economic impact, and I do want to acknowledge One misleading and untruthful video posting resulted in a
everyone affected by this. It's incredibly tough. A week ago whole day of phone calls from and to various leaders and
I drove up North on empty roads. I visited Bay of Islands politicians.
and Kaitaia Hospitals and our Community-Based Testing However, like many of you, I always try to take the positives
Centre at Kerikeri as well as someone who wants to set out of tough times, and I was reminded as if I needed to be,
one up in Kaitaia. that our conventional approaches to health will not reach
After the recent negative publicity about Kaitaia and everyone, there is mistrust and so much fear out there, and
compliance with the lockdown, I also took some photos of we need to be open to changing our model while staying
the Main Street in the middle of the morning - not a soul the overall course and providing consistent messages to
in sight. Most people are complying with the lockdown, our communities and whānau.
and hopefully, those that aren't are getting the message I want to acknowledge two groups of Local Heroes - one
loud and clear. group are regularly involved in hero moments because they
Isolation during lockdown is tough, but in a strange way, are at our front line. Our ED staff, Age Care and Home and
those of us working in health are fortunate - we get to go community support workers, our Community Based Testing
out of our own bubbles to a role or place with purpose teams, both our own staff and Te Rūnanga ā Iwi o Ngāpuhi ,
(as well as plenty of risk, I'm afraid). I know that with what other Māori health providers, and our General Practice and
you're all having to face, you may not feel fortunate, but Pharmacy teams, and all those who are working very hard
we do get to go out every day, reminding us all that the to vaccinate our vulnerable population as well as all of you.
reason most of us work in health is to serve people in times The second group are unsung heroes - our cleaners -
of their greatest need. The difference is this time it's not they are also keeping us all safe wherever they work, and
just people in need, it's not just a community or a country, despite everything that is going on, they do it with positivity
it’s a world in need. and grace.
Even those who are against vaccination or like to blame I also want to acknowledge all of the people, both our staff
modern medicine and big pharma must realise this is and Te Hauora o Ngāpuhi staff, who activated their CBAC
nothing to do with that. However, unless we don't want to in Kaikohe at incredibly short notice. Understandably, there
be in perpetual or intermittent lockdown, we will need to was a lot of community concern about a positive case in
rely on modern medicine. Health workers to keep most of someone working in the local supermarket. The decision
us safe and "one vaccine to cure it all." to open the CBAC on Sunday was made about 9.30 pm
So, what about this vaccine? All the world are collaborating Saturday night; staffing was agreed by midnight and they
to make the vaccine, and this may shorten the time it were open for business with enough staff, swabs and
usually takes to develop it, but then there will be significant PPE for an 8.30 am start. 153 people turned up and 30
challenges getting enough supply because everyone were swabbed and tested. What an awesome example of
(ironically, as we saw with last year’s measles outbreak, collaboration between our community, a Māori Provider,
even antivaxers) will want it. So, the 18-month timeframe and DHB staff.
may be realistic. So, thanks to every one of you whatever your role, Keep
Have you seen the meme going around?: "For those who on keeping on, accept a bit of uncertainty, don't rely on fake
wanted a world with no vaccines .... here's the world without news, trust science - it brought us out of the Middle Ages
ONE vaccine." - and continue to be an example during the lockdown - for
Apparently, in 1942 when writing about the war, C.S. Lewis now, it is our nuclear weapon.
rather prophetically has predicted some of what we are now
seeing 78 years later: "Anxiety, fear, panic, shutdown of
businesses, schools, places of worship and sports events, Kind Regards,
and economic turmoil."
But it would also "Bring together neighbours, restore the
family unit, bring dinner back to the dinner table, help
Tāngata i te tuatahi - People First 2
Renal Fund Enhances
Quality of Life
for their family, and she would like to thank Contact for
their support.
Anna said Jessie had done amazingly well, combining her
treatment with bringing up two-year-old Rayven, and she
has full admiration for her.
“The Fund has been helpful for our patients to maintain
their independence and continue dialysis at home. It’s a
tough treatment, and there are many benefits to doing it
at home.
People who undergo constant medical treatment have
‘out of pocket’ expenses that are not always covered by
Government subsidies, so this Fund helps to fill these
gaps.”
The Contact Energy Renal Endowment Fund was
established in 2009 as a result of discussions between
Contact Energy and the Northland DHB around the most
effective way they could support the renal unit. Rather
than buying new equipment for the unit, equivalent funds
of $28,000 were put into an endowment to “benefit low
income residents of the Far North regions of New Zealand”
on home-based dialysis.
The Northland Foundation manages the Fund on behalf
of Northland DHB and, after careful investment, grew the
Fund to $38,000. So far, 27 recipients have been given
grants of up to $1,000 towards items to improve their quality
of life. Grants have now totalled approximately $24,000 and
have been allocated for purposes ranging from a generator
to prevent loss of dialysis during power cuts to recliner
Jessie Cherrington, Rayven Rayne and Dillon Gavin are thankful to Contact Energy
chairs and contributions to power bills. A further $14,000
At 13 years old, Jessie Cherrington was diagnosed with remains to be allocated.
the autoimmune disease Systemic Lupus Erythematosus The Fund has benefitted the lives of these patients
(SLE). Because it can affect the skin, joints, kidney, brain directly, and has allowed 46 patients and whānau to attend
and other organs, she was told she could possibly end up seminars where they have shared their experiences and
on dialysis. However, no one expected it would be so soon. gained invaluable knowledge about their conditions.
By the time she was 21, she was spending every second
Although diabetes is not a major killer in itself, it is a primary
day in hospital from 6.30am until 12.30pm.
cause of heart disease. A great deal of unnecessary illness
A year later, Jessie and her partner Dillon Gavin were tied and hospitalisation is related to poor management of
to the hospital even more when their daughter Rayven diabetes.
Rayne was born 11 weeks early, weighing just two pounds.
About three-quarters of deaths in Northland are from
From there, things got tough for the young couple. Dillon
cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke) or
had to quit a new job in Auckland because they wouldn’t
cancer. Twenty percent of adult Northlanders have been
give him time off to support Jessie. She was spreading
told they have high blood pressure and 12 percent that
herself between feeding Rayven and pumping milk in
they have high cholesterol, both known risk factors for
SCBU and going to the Renal Department for dialysis.
cardiovascular disease.
“We spent three and a half weeks in Auckland and then
Māori experience low levels of health status across a range
another nine weeks at Whangarei Hospital, and fell pretty
of health and socio-economic statistics. They comprise 34.9
significantly behind on our bill payments,” said Dillon.
percent of Northland’s total population, but 54 percent of
Once they got through that ordeal, Dillon managed to get the child and youth population – a key group for achieving
work locally as a gib fixer. In September 2018, Jessie began long-term gains. Māori experience early onset of long-
home dialysis, which has made their life much easier. “Now term conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes,
I’ll dialyse in the morning from 10am to 3–4pm if my mum presenting to hospital services on average about 13 years
or sister can come over and help with Rayven. Otherwise, younger than non-Māori.
I wait until Dillon comes home from work and do it in the
With an ever-increasing number of renal patients in the
afternoon,” said Jessie.
region eligible to apply, Anna said she hopes another
However, their power costs escalate to around $4 or $5 organisation will come on board and take over investing
per day when Jessie is dialysing compared to $1 on the into the Fund from Contact. Then those requiring ongoing
days she is not. Northland DHB renal social worker Anna treatment will get the support they need to remain
Stewardson suggested Jessie apply for $500 from the independent and reduce some of their financial stress
Contact Energy Renal Fund. She was successful, and put and hardship.
it towards their monthly power bills. Jessie said knowing
they are getting some money from Contact is a big help
Whakaute (tuku mana) - Respect 3
Learning From Each Other
For four full days in late January, 16 children living with type 1 over the four days. Two diabetes experienced staff cover the
diabetes from across Northland came together at the annual nightshift and ensure the children all get tested throughout
Diabetes Summer Camp at Whangarei Heads – to learn the evening, and two community volunteers also assist with
about their condition, make friends and, most of all, have fun. running the Camp.
To be eligible, attendees need to be at least seven years Families are only asked for a koha of $20. Northland DHB
old, and priority is given to those who are newly diagnosed. pays for the food and staffing, and the remainder of the costs
This year, three newly diagnosed children came along and are covered by funds raised at the annual Diabetes Fun Run
met other type 1 kids for the first time. Six out of the 16 at the & Walk in November.
Camp were using insulin pump therapy. Muay Thai Movement instructor Kylie Batistich said she too
Each year a large contingent return annually, including ten- lives with type 1 diabetes and jumped at the chance to help
year-old Siena Southall and 11-year-old Aayden Mitchell who out at the Camp. “I’ve always wanted to do a diabetes class
said they look forward to meeting up with friends from previous where there’s no stigma around stopping to go and do a test.
years. Being able to do it with all the kids, was next level. They are
Aayden finds it reassuring that she’s not the only one who my people. We all got to show our pumps to each other. It
has diabetes, and gets to meet others that know what she is was just awesome.”
going through. “I’ve learnt you’re not always perfect. You can Kylie has had diabetes for the past 24 years and said that
have high sugars, and so can everyone else.” there had been many advances in technology. She now uses
Northland DHB’s dietician Mary McNab’s cooking was one of a device called a Miaomiao which sends continuous glucose
the highlights for the girls. Along with an enormous slippery readings direct to her watch. This device gives data to help
slide that Whangarei Heads Volunteer Fire Brigade put her control her insulin levels which can drop or rise at any
on, daily activities were arranged by Sport Northland, the time, especially when she’s exercising. “It’s great to see a lot
Papermill and Muay Thai Movement, which all volunteered of the kids have them, because it’s life-changing. We need
their support. to get it funded for everyone.”
Camp coordinator and clinical nurse specialist Eve de Goey The successful Camp not only gives the children the chance
said Northland DHB provides three specialist diabetes nurses, to meet and reunite with other youth with the same health
a registrar, child health clinic nurse, paediatrician and the issues in the beautiful surroundings on Manaia Baptist Camp,
diabetes kaiāwhina who work together to look after the kids but it also gives their parents a well-deserved break.
Diabetes Summer Camp attendees, carers and Muay Thai instructors practising their moves
Manaaki - Caring 4
New Board Welcomed
A pōwhiri to welcome the new and re-elected Northland the Board gathered together at Tohorā House for their first
DHB board members was held on 28 January at Te Puna meeting of 2020, where they had the opportunity to meet
o Te Mātauranga Marae, NorthTec. After being welcomed, and hear from the senior management team.
The Board includes new chair Harry Burkhardt along with the following members:
Nicole Anderson* Dr Mataroria Lyndon*
John Bain Sally Macauley
Vince Cocurullo Dr Carol Peters
Dr Kyle Eggleton Ngaire Rae* (Deputy Chair)
Debbie Evans * appointed by the Minister of Health.
Libby Jones
Chief executive Dr Nick Chamberlain welcoming the new Board
The new Board being welcomed on Board chair Harry Burkhardt
Whakawhitiwhiti Kōrero - Communication 5
Pukawakawa Programme
Pulls Students North
also have the most informative year.
You’ll also become more familiar with
Māori health from many dimensions.
You will hear stories that will move you.
Listen to them, as they provide so much
insight.”
Both she and University of Auckland
Tumuaki and Head of Department of
Māori Health at the Faculty of Medical
and Health Sciences, Professor
Papaarangi Reid discussed how
highly regarded the programme
was. Professor Reid said that it has
been more successful than any
other programme in Australasia at
engaging trainee doctors to think about
participating in and start believing in
regional and rural practice.
Pukawakawa 2020 year five students and trainee interns
Trainee intern Kamaia Pere addressed
The intake for this year’s Pūkawakawa programme was the audience, saying she was lucky enough to return to
welcomed by the Northland DHB to the region at a pōwhiri Northland this year after being part of the programme last
at Terenga Paroa Marae in January. year. She advised the year five students to get in there
and learn. “You’ll get consultants, nurses, house officers
The programme, which is in its 13th year, was set up
and registrars wanting to teach you. For you that are
by the University of Auckland’s Faculty of Medicine and
shy – jump up, you’re going to flourish.”
Health Sciences and the Northland DHB in 2007. It offers
year five medical students the opportunity to gain valuable She said that Pūkawakawa was probably one of the only
experience in regional and rural health. During their cohorts where you come out with a whānau. “It’s not
year, the 24 students will spend a good portion of time at about doing it by yourself. It’s about grabbing each other’s
Whangarei Hospital and then work in integrated care and hands and walking together.”
General Practice (GP) attachments at Dargaville, Bay of Also returning to the North is Ruakaka year five student
Islands, Kaitaia or Rawene hospitals. Kelly Gillingham. Kelly’s parents Ruth and Murray
University of Auckland Dean of Medical and Health Gillingham are happy to have her closer to home after
Sciences Professor John Fraser spoke at the pōwhiri. studying in Auckland for the past seven years. Ruth works
He said the programme was the jewel in the crown for the for Northland DHB as a paediatric clinical psychologist at
Faculty and that the students were “the lucky ones”. “The the Child Health Clinic and understands the need here, so
reason why we have Pūkawakawa is to ensure students was delighted that Kelly was interested in Pūkawakawa.
like you experience both the wonderful things here in Kelly said her dream has always been to move back to
Northland and the disparities and inequities in health. We the North – she just needs to convince her partner.
want you to become part of the solution.” Gisborne student Michaela Rektorysovά said she has
Professor Fraser acknowledged new Northland DHB tried to do as many years in a rural hospital as she can
Board member Dr Mataroria Lyndon who had been and heard that Pūkawakawa was difficult to get into.
through the programme 12 years ago and symbolised “You’re fortunate if you do. When I found out I made it, I
where they want Pūkawakawa to go. He also commented was in a clinic and had to control my excitement until the
on the support that the students would get from Dr Win end of it. I see trainee interns and house officers who have
Bennett and Caroline Strydom who coordinate the been in Pūkawakawa and they have a special bond.” She
programme and take care of them throughout the year. plans to keep an open mind about what area of medicine
she will go into and stay away from any decision making
Northland DHB general manager Rural, Family and
until she’s experienced everything and given it all a go.
Community Health Services, Jeanette Wedding, spoke
on behalf of chief executive Dr Nick Chamberlain who Another student heading to Bay of Islands Hospital is
was unable to attend. She said Dr Chamberlain’s vision Pūkawakawa’s first international student, Apisit (Geoffrey)
for this new decade was that all Northlanders experience Sirikientong from Thailand. Jeffrey first came to Kerikeri
the same equity in health and wellbeing by 2040, which as a high school student, then relocated to Kings
was a challenge set for everyone – one she hoped they College in Auckland before getting into medicine as an
would rise to. undergraduate. He said although his plan for the future
isn’t set in stone, he would consider becoming a rural
“We have much work to do in health, and during this year
doctor.
you will put faces to the negative statistics, but you will
Te Hiranga - Excellence 6
Partnership and Initiatives
Evolve From Corridor Conversation
Members of the Learning & Development and VIP teams
When the Violence Intervention Programme (VIP) team applicant can move on to booking in. The new design
reviewed their staff training programme in 2019, one goal also means attendance is recorded, so applicants have
was to streamline their arduous manual training booking a record of professional development hours.
and recording process. The VIP team were excited to find that their evaluation
A corridor conversation began when Anne Stevens, processes could be automated, which will save hours
team leader for Learning and Development, got wind of of analysis. Reports can also be generated to aid their
their plans. Anne’s team had worked with other services reporting to the Ministry of Health.
to support capturing their training, and offered to help Once the steps were agreed on and finalised, the
streamline their booking training using the upgraded eLearning package was developed over five months, with
YourSelf employee self-service kiosk. regular testing undertaken by the VIP team, before going
Anne explained that when you make a change, there’s out live to Northland DHB learners.
always more than one thing to consider. She advised Iona says now that staff are completing the required
them to break down every step of their training pathway eLearning before self-booking onto the Core Training
to highlight what specific content they needed to offer and Course, they have noticed a positive impact with attendees
what outcomes they were hoping for. arriving at courses with baseline knowledge about family
VIP coordinator Iona Edmonds said after learning more violence. They can complete the online requirement at
about YourSelf, they realised they could design the any time, then choose any of the monthly workshops to
booking system to include a step where applicants had suit their roster or work commitments.
to provide evidence of completing the pre-course reading Although there is more work to undertake, both teams
before progressing on to book their spot at training. decided to celebrate how far they have come. They
This aspect had always proven difficult to administer, and shared a morning tea at Tohorā House to reflect on the
there was no way to check if applicants had undertaken journey that evolved from a conversation in a corridor, so
the pre-course reading before the training day. Now, many months ago.
the pre-course reading must be completed before the
Tāngata i te tuatahi - People First 7
Farewell Meng Cheong
To Yourself, You Need To Be True
Meng Cheong with his hand crafted chopping board ready to cook with.
The room was packed as people gathered to farewell chief ‘Ah, Meng the merciless’. Being firm is what you need in
financial officer (CFO) Meng Cheong in late January. Meng a chief financial officer, but merciful rather than merciless
left Northland DHB to take up the chief executive post with would better describe Meng.
Healthvision NZ, a private sector healthcare provider. “I am going to miss your strategic vision, and I want to
“We are here to acknowledge Meng and thank him for his acknowledge Meng, the man. A really passionate family
six and a half years of hard labour, to remember the many man and a loyal person. I am really going to miss you, and
enjoyable times and congratulate him on his appointment I acknowledge everything you have done over the last six
as the new chief executive of Healthvision,” offered chief years for Northland and its people.”
executive, Dr Nick Chamberlain. Jacque Bell, Director Infrastructure and Commercial
“When we advertised the CFO position, I was thrilled that Services then spoke (tongue in cheek) on behalf of
Meng had applied. I had worked with Meng when he was the finance team. “Dear HR, we are raising a personal
the chief operating officer at Capital & Coast DHB, and grievance concerning an employment relationship
he probably had one of the hardest jobs in health at that problem with Meng. He will not be surprised. We have
time. Meng had an impressive list of referees, including long threatened him with this after suffering working with
Lester Levy. When I spoke to Lester about Meng, he said him for the last six years. He has been in New Zealand for
Whakaute (tuku mana) - Respect 8
30 years but likes to point out that as English is his second The themes of the book are leadership, fortitude, loyalty language we should not take offence at his insults, he is and trust and those are some of the foundations he has merely misunderstood. After 30 years, we question whether tried to build in his career. this is still valid.” “I have been inspired by some significant New Zealand Myles Ward, chief executive of healthAlliance, talked about leaders, including David Clarke, Lester Levy, and Stephen his relationship with Meng at the DHB and also Meng’s McKernan. I have been trained to be a leader, and I have contribution as a healthAlliance Board member. “When been blessed with post-graduate leadership opportunities. you come into health from different backgrounds it can be I have enjoyed the privilege of learning leadership, and daunting, and there is so much passion, we are in a fiscally my heart yearns to lead as a chief executive. After six and constrained environment, often we are going at 100 miles a half years in apprenticeship to Nick I have been given an hour, from outcome to outcome. an opportunity to lead a significant provider of community “Meng the merciless – that was the first thing I heard about services, which I am grateful for.” this guy. Actually, Meng is a passionate guy who has had Meng thanked his direct report team Joyce, Darren, the DHB at heart in everything he has done – this comes Jacque, Melissa, Deb and Brett, “Thank you for putting through strongly and is always well balanced, I have really up with me and making me look good.” appreciated the balance. He also had a special mention for his executive assistant “You have been a crucial person for encouraging us to be Jodie, noting that she had been a fantastic support. “She the best we can be. The merit of someone leaving is often understands me, and she understands what pushes my whether we stay in touch. We are still going to get together buttons, what makes me tick. She has never tried to – personally and professionally. You have many attributes take over, and that is the mark of a fantastic assistant, and will build on those as a chief executive. Thank you so someone who understands how I think and work and what much for the time you have given me, I have appreciated information needs to be put in front of me to help me do your advice and on behalf of healthAlliance and the Board the best job that I can.” we wish you all the best and thank you so very much.” Meng described his time with healthAlliance as a great There were many more speeches with a common thread: journey. “A lot of people don’t really truly appreciate what kindness, respect, humour, cheekiness and a tendency healthAlliance does, but I will say now the focus on cyber to terrorise the vegetarians in his team with photos of the safety and keeping our information safe is world-class. No meat-based meals he had cooked the night before. one truly knows how much work goes into that and how Staff also talked about his responsiveness when it was successful we have been in keeping our information safe. needed, such as approving a stock order even on the Not many organisations can say that.” weekend; understanding that from a supply chain point Another highlight (and a lowlight) was the discovery of of view, it was essential to be available. “Meng’s fastest asbestos in the Central Store. “Being told at 10 am that I time to approve an order was 29 seconds; he was always was going to have to close Central Stores had me really there, holidays or not.” worried about how we were going to continue to supply Executive team colleagues spoke highly of Meng, describing our four hospitals and community services. him as someone who had helped the organisation progress I closed the Store at 2 pm and went home and was and had given excellent and honest guidance to all. “Seeing physically ill. The team worked throughout the night, and you in Board meetings was fantastic; you have the ability we figured out how we would survive this without one single to pitch things at the right level to help people understand injury or one single procedure or operation being cancelled how the organisation ticks, you have real strengths in and no patients being harmed. That was a challenging communicating with people.” three weeks, but the team worked together fantastically In response, Meng thanked everyone except for Jacque, and got us through a terrible crisis. noting that “the letter you have all written is horrific, you “Payroll team, you guys are fantastic. I am leaving on have misunderstood me completely! Friday, so can you make sure my final pay is right, please. “There is something extraordinary about Northland, and it When I got my last tax return, I discovered that Payroll had is part of the reason why I wanted to come here. Northland overpaid my tax by $2.53, and it took me a year to get that creates great leaders, and I wanted to drink that cool-aid,” back from IRD! Meng explained. “Working for Nick has installed the intense “Thank you for making me feel welcome when I joined, passion and commitment needed to be a leader – you cut thank you for making me feel part of the team – thank Nick in half and written in there is ‘made in Northland’ – you you for involving me in this endeavour called healthcare. cut me in half, and you see professional mercenary,” he Healthcare is a passion, an art, and it is also a business. I noted with a smile. really truly appreciate it. It is with a very heavy heart that I One of the books that has inspired Meng is the Black leave, but the heart wants what the heart wants, and I have Riders by Violet Needham, originally published in 1939. learnt that – to yourself, you need to be true.” Manaaki - Caring 9
Putting Whanau First
the service gaining extra winter staffing and increased
FTE in both Ward 2 and SCBU. This has been timely,
with the region’s ever-increasing population and push
back from Starship.
“Our workload has really grown. We are doing more
specialist infusions on the ward – day stay immunotherapy
(bee venom desensitisation), food and drug challenges.”
One of her goals was to get staff from Ward 2 and SCBU
to work together more and share staffing when possible.
She said this had been a great success and they had
become part of one big team.
She is also proud to see the development of a larger
Māori workforce, particularly in Ward 2 and paediatric
leadership. Lynette said she appreciates how innovative
and forward thinking Northland DHB is regarding our
partners in care policy and visiting hours, especially after
Lynette Te Ahu experiencing her daughter being cared for at another
DHB.
After a decade with Northland DHB, Ward 2 and SCBU
clinical nurse manager (CNM) Lynette Te Ahu left the “Here in Northland, we treat whānau in a positive, open
organisation in January. Lynette has relocated with her and inclusive way. Our staff are willingly invested in
husband to Hawkes Bay to be closer to their children and, Paihere, which focuses on delivering better care for
in particular, their unwell daughter. patients and their whānau, and this has saved a lot of
time and increased efficiency.”
Lynette started in 2010 as associate clinical nurse manager
(ACNM) in Ward 1 and then moved to paediatrics where The couple and their whānau lived and worked in Hawkes
she remained and thrived. During that time, she saw Bay many years ago, and Lynette managed to secure
massive growth in the service and within nursing itself. a role as ACNM with her old team at the Child and
Adolescent Mental Health Service. “They’re fantastic. I’ll
She is proud to say that almost every goal she set came
be back out in the community, Monday to Friday working
to fruition, and she looks forward to seeing the service
alongside the whole allied health team – which is an
extended further in the years to come to remedy some
exciting space to be in.”
of the challenges they face daily.
The couple has seven grandchildren in Hawkes Bay and
“For us when there’s an overflow on the ward, there’s
in April will be around for the birth of their seventh great-
nowhere else in the hospital you can redeploy our
grandchild.
patients, so we have to fit them in. Which has been a
real challenge, but we managed it well – and I’m really Although she will miss her team and Northland terribly,
proud of that.” Lynette is looking forward to being close to her whānau.
One day they will return to the North and retire home at
The work that Lynette and her team have done in Care
Te Ngaere, as they had planned to do before her daughter
Capacity Demand Management (CCDM) has resulted in
became sick.
Evacuation time in motion study
A time in motion evacuation exercise was held late last year at Whangarei Hospital’s
surgical wing to assess how long it would take to evacuate patients in the event
of a mass emergency. This involved moving a group of mock patients down the
stairwell at the Chapel end of the Hospital. Some of the patients were mobile,
and the others were transported down on carry chairs and evacuation stretchers.
The volunteer patients were mainly children of staff on school holidays. They all
played their part very well, considering how frightening it can be to be carried
downstairs - especially those strapped from head to toe on stretchers.
ED and ICU participated as well and tested evacuating a patient on a bed down
the ambulance ramp with all the equipment they would need.
That data will be extrapolated to work out how long it would take to evacuate each
ward, taking into consideration the different levels of patient mobility statuses. It
will also assist in ascertaining what equipment is required to evacuate a whole
level or wing, and build a case to purchase that equipment.
Volunteers and staff with Dr Nick Chamberlin at
the end of the successful exercise
Whakawhitiwhiti Kōrero - Communication 10Following a Calling
do so. Sue embodies each one of those
traits.
As lead chaplain, she has been
responsible for recruiting, training
and supervising VCAs, as well as
being available as a chaplain for the
Whangarei Hospital on a daily basis
and during emergencies.
During her tenure, the outreach in
the local community has extended to
lectures and information-sharing for
churches and community organisations.
She has been active in providing
orientations for nursing students as
well as occasional forums for doctors
in training. Through her hard work and
enthusiasm, she has tripled the number
of VCAs at Northland DHB. There are
now approximately 50 serving our four
hospitals, visiting over 500 patients
every week.
Each of those who spoke at the
morning tea had been touched by
Sue’s kindness, both personally and
professionally. Several mentioned her
ability to get despairing strangers who
were dealing with death and dying to
respond to her.
Customer services manager Glenys
Wynyard said Sue gives back by giving
people something to hold on to. “You
have built harmonious relationships
with all services and opened the Chapel
doors to all in need, regardless of
Reverend Sue White with her leaving gift whether they were religious or not.
At her retirement morning tea at the end of January, “You are selfless and generous and would frequently
colleagues from across Northland DHB expressed come in to support patients, visitors, and staff out of
heartfelt gratitude for the care, support and wisdom hours and in your own time. You have supported many
ecumenical chaplain Reverend Sue White had given people through unbearable grief and hardships with
them and patients over the years. the perfect mix of empathy and wisdom. Sue, you are
Sue responded with her usual cheeky sense of humour, the epitome of Northland DHB’s Values.”
telling the crowd that out of her three retirements from After singing a waiata for Sue, Takawaenga Māori
Northland DHB, this was the best one so far. She first health liaison officer Camron Muriwai told her she
retired at 68, then again at 75, and now at 81, she is had not only been a well for those in hospital but also
leaving to enjoy time with her family, teach piano and colleagues when they needed someone to speak to.
focus on community work. And he thanked her for being that well, and gift for us.
The Hospital Chaplaincy service was first established Health care assistant Glenys Epiha-Toa spoke of how
in New Zealand in 1972. Today there are nearly fifty Sue helped her learn to disconnect from what she
hospitals from Kaitaia to Invercargill where chaplains deals with daily in her role. “She taught me that I could
and hundreds of volunteer chaplain assistants (VCA) be anything, but not everything. And most importantly,
provide spiritual and pastoral care to patients of all first of all, she taught me how to love myself.”
faiths, and often none. True to Sue’s practical and humble nature, her parting
The role of a chaplain is to be a confidential listener words of wisdom were that the saying in serving others
who supports and encourages others to seek meaning is, “God doesn’t just call those who are qualified, but
in life. Chaplains spend time with people, explore ways God qualifies the called.”
of coping and celebrate religious rituals – if asked to
Te Hiranga - Excellence 11Out & About Tāngata i te tuatahi - People First 12
Whakaute (tuku mana) - Respect 13
Cutting Through the Mustard
If you have been lucky enough to sit and talk with Northland
DHB Takawaenga Whaea Aggie Christianson, you
would have walked away feeling brighter and genuinely
enlightened. She is such an open book and shares so
many life stories that you feel like you want to open up
and tell her your story.
Aggie has a way of getting to the root of things, and she
has been hugely successful in her role as a Takawaenga,
a mediator and liaison for Māori patients and their whānau
for the past 23 years.
However, she was here long before she started working
as a Takawaenga; for 22 years before that she worked
in central sterilising alongside 13 others – packing
equipment for all four hospitals. When she decided to
leave, her general manager at the time, Helen Blaxland,
asked if she would consider using her te reo Māori skills
and work as a Takawaenga.
“I told her I hadn’t worked with people before and didn’t
understand what the role was. She explained she wanted
me because I speak te reo Māori and could translate for
people. So I did it and have been here ever since.”
As a child, Aggie lived with her grandparents, who spoke
Takawaenga Whaea Aggie Christianson
only te reo Māori at home. Her grandparents sent her to
school to learn English, and she would come home and “People often need to unload and talk about what has
teach them. “I would be their translator. Now I realise that been going on with their whānau and how that makes
I’m very lucky – I never thought I would be able to use my them feel. Whānau is the most crucial thing. That’s the
language skills in a job.” link to their wellbeing.”
When she started as Takawaenga, there was only one Aggie is a firm believer in whānau meetings and has
other working in the hospital. They had quite a hard time always been happy to join in if asked. She advises patients
at first and faced a lot of racism. However, she always that this is their opportunity to listen to and question the
felt well supported by Matua Makene, who was kaumātua doctors and nurses directly. She also sees it as a way to
when she first started, and then Matua Pona Mātenga empower them to look after themselves.
and his wife, Liz. “Māori must be heard. Nurses and doctors don’t always
“We weren’t always allowed through the doors and were get the Māori component and if I sense there’s something
questioned about what we were doing on the wards. You I can do – I will. I cut through the mustard.”
didn’t sit with the nurses or doctors – everyone sat in their Aggie is passionate about helping Māori and is excited
own departments. It was pretty dysfunctional.” that rongoā Māori (Māori medicine) is being introduced
The role has greatly improved since the early days, which into the hospital. She believes that we, as an organisation,
has a lot to do with the groundwork Aggie put in. “It’s need to understand that everybody is different, and need
important that whoever does this job can relate to anyone to listen to and look out for each other.
and deal with people who are often stressed. We play “People are important, regardless of our colour or creed.
the part of talking for Māori. You don’t need a clinical Don’t ever look down on others. We all bring things to
background – you just need to use your heart and head.” work – but once you talk about it, you can let go of it.”
She believes the Takawaenga role is essential because As of 1 May Aggie will officially leave her role, but,
they have the time to talk to patients and their whānau luckily for us, she has decided to return as a volunteer
about what they might experience while they are in and continue her work with Māori. She will remain a
hospital. Taking care of the older generation is particularly member of the Northland DHB Kaunihera Kaumātua
crucial to Aggie. They often find hospital scary and and offer her extensive institutional knowledge when
confusing – for example, explaining how medications needed. And, as one of the faces of the Safe Sleep and
like morphine can affect you. MyCare campaigns, we will continue to see Aggie on our
“For Māori, seeing things on a wall can be like seeing a Facebook page.
kēhua (ghost), which can mean death. I can explain to During her 45 years with Northland DHB, she said she
them that it’s just the medication. It doesn’t matter what had made a lot of good friends, and although at times it
colour you are – it affects them the same way. I’m here has been a long, arduous journey, “we are in a different
for Māori – but I’m here for all people – I will sit with them place – a good place, where everybody works together.”
and comfort them when they’re stressed.
Manaaki - Caring 14Graduates Achieve
100 Percent Success Rate
Northland DHB health care assistants at their graduation with Carmel Henry fifth from the left
The latest intake of Northland DHB Health Care Assistants confident enough to take on further level 4 studies. Both
studying for their NZQA Certificate in Health & Wellbeing Sylvia and Sue commented on the continuous support
celebrated their 100 percent success rate at a graduation from Nursing and Midwifery Directorate NETP nurse &
ceremony late last year. HCA educator Carmel Henry.
The 26 graduates completed the level 3 qualification, Carmel’s role is to profile, recruit into and coordinate the
first run as a pilot programme in 2017. The Certificate course comprising 16 NZQA unit standards (75 points)
designed by NZQA for health care assistants (HCAs) that trainees complete over a series of three written
working in hospital environments is now recognised modules. She also assesses the written workbooks which
throughout New Zealand and Australia. are in turn moderated by Careerforce and NZQA.
The course takes six to nine months to complete. It There are 30 spaces available in two intakes per year, all
aims to recognise and build on participant’s skills and fully funded by Northland DHB for HCAs from a variety
knowledge to enhance the delivery of patient and whānau of clinical areas in Whangarei and District hospitals.
centred care. Trainees undertake three paid study days Carmel encourages other HCAs to make the most of the
that align with the unit standards, and the practical work opportunity.
they do on the wards requires written verification from “Feedback from those who have completed the
nurse managers. qualification attests to an increased level of confidence
Graduates from 2019, Sylvia Dodd and Sue Whalley, said from new skill acquisition. And a real sense of valuing
they not only learnt a lot from their studies but also got to of their role from the DHB. All they need to do is get
know other HCAs working in the hospital. They now feel managerial approval.”
Mass Casualty Exercise
The new mass casualty plan developed by the Emergency The story for the mass casualty was that a tourist (non-
and Corporate Risk Manager, Sarah Hoyle and members English speaking) had a head-on accident with a small
of the Emergency Department (ED) team, was put into bus carrying eight people, including three children.
practice during an exercise in November. All those involved in the accident were seriously injured,
Laboratory, Radiology and ED staff were expecting to including one critically injured. There was one triage (one
be part of an exercise but were unaware when it would pt.); three triage (two pts) and four triage (three pts).
ensue to create a response that would be similar to a ED clinical director, Dr Marysha Gardner, decided the
real situation. injuries and the vital signs of the presenting patients, and
As with the evacuation time in motion study in October, the subsequent vital signs so that the team had guidance
volunteer mock patients were involved, complete with on what they were attending.
fake injuries to create a more realistic experience for The exercise went well, and all teams activated as per
those involved in the exercise. St John kindly participated their plan. They appreciated the opportunity to have a
in the activity and applied the fake injuries, delivered the practice and trial their new mass casualty trolley and
patients in an Ambulance to ED and prepped staff as to equipment.
their injuries on arrival as per the usual process.
The debrief gave everyone involved a chance to highlight
areas where improvements to the system could be made.
Whakawhitiwhiti Kōrero - Communication 15Project Team Developments
New Sub Acute Service Valued by Endoscopy Suite Prepares
Community to be Operational
Tu Kaha, our new mental health and addiction services To brighten up the walls of the Te Wāhi Tirohia Oranga
subacute unit in Kaikohe opened late last year. The Whēkau, The Endoscopy Suite at Whangarei Hospital, we
beautiful new building replaces a damp building that was asked photographers if they would like to gift a photograph
going to cost over $300,000 to repair. that would be displayed in the unit and received hundreds
Ian McKenzie, general manager of Mental Health and of images to consider. The staff chose 23 images in total
Addiction Services for Northland DHB, said the service and the photographers were invited to tour the Endoscopy
provides transitional treatment and rehabilitation to Suite with chief executive Dr Nick Chamberlain in early
minimise the need for hospitalisation. March to see their work on display. A visit from the
Minister of Health Dr David Clark was scheduled to mark
“We promote independence and quality of life for people
the official opening of the Suite on 25 March, however
with a mental illness at a crucial point of recovery or
because of COVID-19 this was postponed. The service
relapse, so it was really important to ensure that they
is now conducting staff training and safety exercises in
had a suitable place to stay to achieve that.”
preparation for being operational shortly.
There are, on average, 100 individual stays for up to
three weeks per year at the facility. The unit also has six
bedrooms, a kitchen and living area, offices for clinician Bay of Island Hugo Whanau House Ready
and staff and a whānau room. “The house accommodates
six clients at any one time, and we have a marae attached
for Winter
to the house to enable whānau meetings and korero. Funds from Hugo Charitable Trust will be used to
purchase building materials for the construction of the
“Everyone is very proud of this facility in Kaikohe, including
Bay of Islands Hospital’s Hugo Whānau House.
patients and their whānau who describe a feeling of
being ‘valued’ and certainly not forgotten. This beautiful The new building will provide accommodation for up to six
new building fills a valuable purpose in our mid-north whānau while loved ones are admitted to the hospital. The
community,” Ian said. project is a joint undertaking by the Hugo Trust, Northland
DHB and the Northland Regional Corrections Facility
Trigg Construction and Bay Builders managed
(NRCF). NRCF is building the unit within the confines of
construction with service manager Neta Smith and DHB
its facility, which in turn contributes towards its internal
project managers Brett Atwood and Deb Rihari.
programmes, offering training opportunities for offenders.
Building the unit will take approximately four months. It
Government Commit $10m Towards will then be craned out of NRCF and transported to the
Kaitaia Hospital Upgrade hospital site ready for use by June 2020.
On 29 January the Government announced that they
would provide $10 million to address weathertightness More Beds for Te Kotuku
issues at Kaitaia Hospital. The project team has already Plans have been approved to increase the capacity in
identified the main areas of concern and will create a Te Kotuku Maternity Unit for two new double rooms with
programme of works to upgrade facilities. ensuites and an additional scan/assessment room. The
rooms should be ready for use by the middle of the year.
The extra space will help alleviate bed constraints in the
hospital by allowing boarder mums to be accommodated
in Te Kotuku. Four beds will be transferred from the
Special Care Baby Unit to Ward 12. The project team is
in the final stages of negotiations with the contractor, and,
once work begins, it will take approximately six months
to complete both areas.
Petera Reid with Sally Macauley opening Tu Kaha
Te Hiranga - Excellence 16Specialty Service
Life Changing for Patients
In 2016, our first gastroenterologist, Dr Arjun build a proactive service. The 2017 report “Reducing
Sugumaran, was appointed into the gastroenterology the Growing Burden of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in
service, followed by Dr Her-Hsin Tsai and clinical nurse New Zealand” has been a useful resource for planning
specialist (CNS) Donna Howe in 2018. patient management.
While gastroenterology covers a variety of diagnoses In the past 12 months, the team has developed
and disease, in this issue we focus on inflammatory a database of patients in Northland with IBD and
bowel disease (IBD). IBD is classified either as established a patient demographic and other disease
Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis or inflammatory bowel related data to assist with future planning. The
disease undetermined (IBD-U). database has also become a useful tool to ensure
Since starting the IBD CNS role, Donna said the routine monitoring and surveillance of patients, proving
service has assessed, treated and monitored 260 protection, particularly for those being treated with
people with IBD. immunosuppressant medications.
IBD is a lifelong autoimmune disease that alternates The establishment of monthly multi-disciplinary
between remission and relapse. For patients, this meetings alongside surgeons, radiologists, pathologists
requires vigilance with medication and treatment and dietitians has ensured effective quality treatment
adherence, forward planning when travelling any for cases needing discussion.
distance from home or overseas and recognising that Dr Sugumaran and Dr Tsai have since resigned and
stress or diet changes can trigger a relapse. the service is supported by locum gastroenterologists
There is a substantial psychological impact for these who work with IBD patients and their GPs, along with
patients and, during relapse, this can impact on direct support from a clinical nurse specialist who is
employment, finances, relationships, fertility, social familiar with their history and disease. The quality of
interactions and mental health. life for many patients has improved dramatically. With
improved accessibility, symptoms associated with
Historically, the population living with IBD in Northland
relapse are investigated efficiently, and treatment
was treated by primary, general medicine and surgical
escalated appropriately.
services. There was a lot of unmet need including
delayed diagnosis, recurrent GP presentations and Donna said because of this improved quality of life,
poor therapeutic treatment monitoring, resulting in a she has found that patients are willing to participate
reactive model of care. actively in their treatment option decisions, resulting
in a strengthened, trusting partnership between the
Introducing a specialised gastroenterology service to
patient and medical service.
treat and monitor patients has been an opportunity to
Hospital Volunteers at their annual luncheon
Tāngata i te tuatahi - People First 17Brain Tumour Trust
Founded by People with First-hand Experience
Northland DHB Sleep Physiologist Gavin Starling
A group committed to supporting people living with brain information about brain tumours,” Mandy said. “Some of the
tumours and their families has launched Brain Tumour information I found was helpful, but much of it was irrelevant
Support NZ. All the founders have either been diagnosed and didn’t reflect the everyday experience of Kiwis living
with a brain tumour themselves or have a partner or close with a brain tumour.”
friend diagnosed with a brain tumour. Mandy contacted Chris with the idea of setting up a charity
Northland sleep physiologist Gavin Starling is one of that would support brain tumour patients and their families.
the founders. His partner Natalie was diagnosed with They began to recruit others – including Gavin – who could
Glioblastoma Multiforme in August 2017, and it wasn’t long help. In 2019, they founded the Brain Tumour Support Trust.
before Natalie began to feel isolated and alone. She often The Trust is committed to the vision that everyone living with
relied on overseas websites for support and information. a brain tumour has the support, information and access to
“Not having easy access to support and information was best treatments, so they feel less afraid, less alone and
an additional burden while Natalie was going through more empowered.
treatment,” Gavin said. Sadly, Natalie lost her battle in March Gavin considers himself fortunate to have been offered a role
2018. “I felt compelled to help others and raise awareness as a trustee. “Our mission is to inform, support and advocate
about brain tumours, so other families don’t have to go for New Zealand brain tumour patients, their family/whānau,
through what Natalie and I experienced.” and friends,” Gavin said. “Having lived alongside Natalie and
Serendipitously, in October 2018, Gavin contacted Chris supported her throughout her journey, I understand what
Tse, an International Brain Tumour Alliance (IBTA) senior it’s like. Being a trustee means that Natalie’s experience
advisor, around the same time that Mandy Bathan also and mine can be harnessed to provide meaningful support
approached Chris. for others.”
Gavin was seeking resources to prepare a display for Brain cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in people
Whangarei Hospital Outpatients Department to coincide under 40. A brain tumour diagnosis may bring with it the
with the annual IBTA awareness week. He was shocked double impact of a cancer diagnosis and a progressively
at the scarcity of information and resources available in debilitating neurological disease.
New Zealand. Chris’s wife, Lynda, is a long-term survivor Brain Tumour Support NZ will help people live life with a
of Glioblastoma Multiforme. When Lynda was diagnosed in brain tumour, and their support is available to everybody
2006, Chris too was appalled at the lack of treatment options affected by any type of brain tumour and their whānau. Given
for brain tumour patients in New Zealand. its charitable status, the Trust relies heavily on donations
Mandy reached out to Chris after her own experience of to enable it to provide support, information and advocacy.
the disease. She was working as a primary school teacher To donate, fundraise or for further information visit:
when she found out she had an Oligodendroglioma in www.braintumoursupport.org.nz
October 2017. or email hi@braintumoursupport.org.nz
“I found myself disappearing down a rabbit hole of various
overseas websites, blogs and social media posts for
Whakaute (tuku mana) - Respect 18Putting Advanced Care
Planning into Context
The guide, Rarangi Tohutohu o te Waka
Kakarauri, is available online to assist Māori
patients, whānau and healthcare workers
to engage in these conversations in a way
that is culturally appropriate and mindful of
the sensitive nature of this topic.
Leigh explained that ACP is a complex
initiative and intervention. It requires
thinking from different experiences and
areas to ensure we’re driving all the
different cogs to get an outcome that’s good
for patients, good for clinicians and good
for the system.
After successfully rolling out the ACP
national programme at Waitaha Primary
Health in Canterbury, Jane said Monday’s
meeting was also an opportunity for our
team to talk through what did and did not
work in Canterbury. “It’s a chance for them
to start at base camp rather than at ground
zero. They can learn and springboard on
what we’ve already learnt.”
Leigh hopes that the national programme
will encourage people to be open about
what they want from their healthcare and
encourage people to talk about death. “It’s
about making people feel OK about it. Then
from a health system point of view, make
sure we’re truly listening to consumers
of healthcare in this country.” They hope
that ACP becomes as normal as having a
conversation about making a will.
Leigh Manson and Jane Goodwin
“I’d also love to see that real confidence in clinicians to
Leaders in Advanced Care Planning (ACP) from the Health
support the patient voice and honour their wishes. Not just
Quality & Safety Commission (HQSC) joined members
in clinical decision making, but also about things that matter
of the Northland Future Care Planning Steering Group at
most to that person,” said Leigh.
Tohorā House in February. Their aim was to work out how to
best support implementation of a national programme into Both women have held community meetings with
Northland. ACP is the process of thinking about, talking about representatives from various consumer groups around the
and planning for future health care and end-of-life care. country. They have found that there has been an increased
understanding and interest in ACP.
Senior programme manager Leigh Manson and Canterbury
programme lead and implementation support for the Northern “We talk about the positive impact and memories from a
region Jane Goodwin journeyed north in a bid to understand ‘good death’ for a whānau, but equally the challenge, trauma
our priorities and ensure the national programme is supportive and long-term impact from something that hasn’t gone so
and relevant to our local situation. According to Leigh, well. Having ACP in place means there are benefits for the
Northland has been a leader in ACP for many years and individual, their whānau and the wider community going
was one of the first DHBs to get involved with the initiative. forward,” said Jane.
In 2015, the former Northern Regional Māori ACP Tool Task The HSQC’s plan for Northland is to develop volunteer training
Team hosted a co-design hui. Consumers and healthcare which Leigh said will support Northlanders to initiate those
workers in Whangarei and Kawakawa looked at what ACP conversations in the community in a language and context
resources were available and assessed how culturally that makes sense. “Because people don’t touch healthcare
appropriate they were. As a result, He Waka Kakarauri: systems that often, but they’re in their community all the time.”
A model for engaging Māori in Advance Care Planning
Conversations was developed.
Manaaki - Caring 19You can also read
